Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. Outemu Silent Yellow

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can dramatically influence your typing experience, and two popular options—Gateron Magnetic Jade and Outemu Silent Yellow—offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Magnetic Jade, a Hall Effect switch, is celebrated for its bright and clacky sound, making it an ideal choice for users who appreciate enhanced acoustics and a dynamic typing experience, particularly when upgrading to a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch provides a smooth and quiet operation, making it perfect for those who prioritize a stealthy typing environment, whether for work or gaming. While the Magnetic Jade may be favored for its acoustic profile and tactile feedback, the Silent Yellow excels in maintaining a quieter workspace. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect

Outemu Silent Yellow Linear

$8.00 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Outemu Silent Yellow both utilize a polycarbonate top housing, which provides each switch with a distinctive auditory characteristic. Polycarbonate is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. This stiffness allows the switches to create a clearer and more resonant sound as compared to other materials. Additionally, both switches benefit from the translucent quality of polycarbonate, making them particularly suited for RGB lighting setups. When illuminated, the clear housing enhances the aesthetic appeal and allows for improved light diffusion, creating vibrant visual effects that are visually pleasing in a mechanical keyboard.

In contrast, the bottom housing of both the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Outemu Silent Yellow is made of nylon, a material recognized for delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile. Unlike polycarbonate, nylon is a softer plastic that tends to absorb sound rather than amplify it, leading to a rounder, more muted auditory experience. This characteristic of nylon complements the inherently sharp sound produced by the polycarbonate top, creating a balanced acoustic profile for each switch. As a result, while the upper experiences a crisper note upon release, the bottom acknowledges a fuller resonance when bottomed out, resulting in a well-rounded typing experience.

Together, these materials create a distinct sound and feel for both switches while maintaining some striking similarities. While the polycarbonate top contributes to the high-pitched clarity and visibility for lighting effects, the nylon bottom counteracts this with a softer, deeper tone. Therefore, users of both the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Outemu Silent Yellow can expect a multifaceted auditory experience; those seeking a crisp and clear sound upon key release will appreciate the polycarbonate top, while the nuanced sound when bottoming out is courtesy of the nylon bottom. Consequently, the interplay of these materials in both switches leads to a uniquely satisfying typing experience, highlighting how different elements can work in concert to achieve varied auditory results.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, notable differences exist in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Magnetic Jade requires a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, compared to the heavier 45 grams needed for the Silent Yellow. This makes the Magnetic Jade more ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, minimizing finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow offers a more substantial typing experience with its greater actuation force, appealing to those who seek a firmer push when typing. In terms of bottom out force, the Magnetic Jade's 55 grams is still lighter than the Silent Yellow's 60 grams, reinforcing the trend that the Magnetic Jade provides a softer overall feel. While both switches are functional, the Gateron Magnetic Jade would suit users looking for a lighter option, whereas the Outemu Silent Yellow is better for those who enjoy a heavier, more pronounced keystroke.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Magnetic Jade features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silent Yellow has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Magnetic Jade may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as it allows for more rapid key presses. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow, with its 4 mm distance, offers a more traditional feel that some users prefer for a more pronounced and substantial typing experience. Therefore, if quick responsiveness is your priority, the Magnetic Jade would be the better choice, whereas the Silent Yellow would be suitable for those who appreciate a deeper key travel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches produce a bright, clacky noise that many enthusiasts find appealing, making them a great choice for typists who enjoy an audible feedback during their keystrokes. This distinctive sound can add an element of satisfaction to typing, especially when paired with a suitable keyboard and keycap profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow switches lack detailed sound characteristics provided in the description. However, it's worth noting that the sound of a switch can vary significantly depending on the keyboard it’s mounted on and the keycaps used, so even with the Silent Yellow, one might be able to achieve a quieter result with the right setup.

When discussing the feel of the switches, Gateron Magnetic Jade switches are known for their smooth operation and satisfying tactile feedback. This contributes to a more engaging typing experience, which many users crave when selecting mechanical switches. Conversely, the Silent Yellow switches do not have specific details about their tactile feel available for comparison. Any switch's feel can be subjective, often influenced by personal preference and typing habits, but the lack of information on the Silent Yellow does leave some uncertainty in this area.

In conclusion, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches stand out with their bright, clacky sound and smooth feel, appealing to users seeking an engaging auditory and tactile experience. Conversely, the Outemu Silent Yellow switches remain less defined in terms of sound and feel, making it difficult to draw comparisons. Ultimately, while the Magnetic Jade offers a clear advantage in providing a lively typing experience, users may find the Silent Yellow suitable within specific contexts, especially if they prioritize quiet operation over distinct feedback.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch will largely depend on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a bright, clacky sound and are seeking a more engaging auditory experience with a smooth typing feel, the Magnetic Jade is the perfect fit. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams makes it an excellent option for extended typing sessions, adding a delightful feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more subdued typing experience, especially in quieter settings where you don't want to disturb others, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch, with its slightly firmer 60 grams bottom-out force, offers a more muted sound profile. This switch is ideal when you need a quieter keyboard to maintain focus or when you're in a shared workspace. Ultimately, consider not just the acoustics but also how the feel of each switch aligns with your typing style; the Magnetic Jade provides a dynamic experience, while the Silent Yellow offers a smooth, stealthy touch. Your choice should reflect both your tactile preferences and the context in which you’ll be using your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect

$8.00 per 10

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Outemu Silent Yellow Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more